Imparable arribo de turistas

Regarding tourism, 2015 has been one of the best years for Isla Mujeres, with thousands of visitors arriving over the past 12 months without interruption. One day last week, a record number of visitors arrived in one day, exceeding 25,000. In the winter of 2014, the island received an average of 10,000 visitors daily, but in the summer of 2015, the island celebrated the arrival of 20,000 people in a day.

The Ultramar ferry company has brought in boats from other parts of the area to cover the extra crossings. They offer service from 5am to midnight, between the island and Puerto Juarez, charging less than 150 pesos per round trip to visitors, and the return ticket valid for more than a month.

On December 16, islanders celebrated the arrival of the two millionth visitor to the island. According to the Cancun Nautical Association (ANC), one of the most requested services by tourists in general is a trip to Isla Mujeres, which is popular with visiting Mexican families, and takes more than two hours.

More trash generated during the holidays

Crece generación de basura

Por festejos decembrinos y de Año Nuevo

The staff at the Trash Transfer Facility said the amount of trash collected since December 15 has increased 20-30 percent. The stores have had more sales of their products, generating larger quantities of boxes, bags, and trash, and more people are staying on the island.

On the island, the volume of trash has grown to 1500 tonnes. However, this location, unlike other islands, has the advantage of having its trash removed from the isle to a landfill on the mainland, which is a recycling center.

This project is managed by the company TRS Pimsa Waste Management, and is called Planta 3, with areas for the separation of different types of trash, which will become materials made from plastic, compost, and biogas.

The Delphinus group has dedicated campaigns for cleaning up the beaches of Isla Contoy, where there are no tourism developments, but with each campaign, it is possible to remove a tonne of trash.

Holidays without incidents

Celebran saldo blanco

Rinde frutos operativo vacacional

The Director of Public Security and Traffic (the Chief of Police), Joaquin Poot Acosta, said there were only 17 people were detained, of which 14 were on the island and three were on the mainland. The arrests were for Disrupting the Peace & Public Intoxication, or at the request of families for aggressive behavior.

There were no cases of robbery, of injuries to tourists or residents, and not vehicular accidents that put lives at risk during the New Year's festivities. There was one case of a vehicle that was stopped because the driver was intoxicated, and it was moved to the impound yard.

The security operations will continue during the remainder of the holiday season, with patrols on the island which include 50 officers, eight trucks and cars, and eight motorcycles. On the mainland, there are 20 officers, with three trucks and cars, and one motorcycle.

Yesterday.....

127 Cuban refugees were taken into custody on the shores & coastal waters of Isla Mujeres in 2015

Aseguraron a 127 balseros

En costas y cercanías de la Isla, durante 2015

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 1 de enero.-

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During 2015 a total of 127 undocumented Cubans were detained on the coasts and nearby waters of Isla Mujeres, in a year that was very active for the exodus of Cubans seeking the American dream. In addition to those that were caught, there was a balsero boat that landed whose occupants managed to escape.On December 20, 2014 a boat landed with several Cubans, but only seven of them were caught.On January 5, 2015 Mexico Navy rescued seven Cuban more than 100 kilometers from Isla Mujeres.On January 30, 2015 the remains of a balsero boat washed ashore, unmanned, on a beach of the Caribbean Sea, and apparently the occupants managed to reach shore
and slip away.On March 21, 2015, the Mexico Navy detained 15 Cubans who had previously been rescued by fishermen near Isla Contoy.On April 8, 2015, the Mexico Navy managed to rescue 14 undocumented immigrants who were sailing 7.4 nautical miles from Cuyo, Yucatan.On July 16, 2015, the Navy rescued 13 Cubans as they sailed about 50 nautical miles from Cabo Catoche.On July 25, 2015, the Navy of Mexico reported seven Cubans were detained who were aboard a homemade boat sailing near Isla Contoy.On July 28, 2015, another boat came ashore with several Cubans on board, but when the Navy arrived, they had escaped and none were detained. On August 30, 2015, the Municipal Police detained 18
undocumented Cubans, after they had sailed for some days and arrived in a small balsero boat.On September 14, 2015, the Navy of Mexico detained 17 undocumented Cubans, including three women.On September 16, 2015 ten Cubans were detained by the Navy of Mexico
after arriving aboard a small boat.On September 17, 2015, Lisandro Ramos Cervantes, 30 years old,
originally from Cuba, surrendered to authorities after being recognized as one
of the refugees who had arrived two months ago.On October 17, 2015, after sailing for 15 days and surviving a
tremendous storm, six undocumented Cubans arrived in Isla Mujeres,
including a 23 year old woman.The
last time Cubans were detained was on November 17, 2015, when the
Navy of Mexico detained 12 undocumented Cubans offshore, all of whom
were turned over to the National Migration Institute (INM).

SEMARNAT prohibits public from touching baby turtles during releases

Restringen liberación de crías

The Director of the Tortugranja, Raciel Rivero Coba, announced that the public will not be allowed to handle and release baby turtles in 2016, in compliance with mandates from the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). Only Tortugranja staff and participants in the Program for the Protection of Sea Turtles, will be allowed to release the hatchlings, and other people, including children, may spectate, but they will not be permitted to handle them. This is in accordance with the law NOM-0162-Semarnat-2012.

She said the releases will occur very early or at nightfall, to avoid problems with birds who prey on the baby turtles. They want to organize the releases so there will not be large crowds of people, and they want to avoid having the turtles accumulate in large quantities. In this past year, there were no large public releases, and this law was complied with during 2015. The personnel of the Tortugranja will be conducting releases as the eggs hatch out, to prevent the accumulation of excessive numbers of hatchlings, and to ensure better management when they are released.

Lobsters on the move after the poor weather Mal tiempo movió a las langostas. [+] Ver mas
Jan. 2
After several weeks of hard luck, fate seems to be smiling on the fishermen at the beginning of 2016, when the five cooperatives have caught nearly seven tonnes of lobster since December 23rd. The cooperative "Patria & Progreso" led the way by capturing two tonnes by midday on Saturday, and as things stand there could be good statistics by the close of the season, two months away.
The fishermen are also filling their holds with fish, after their inventories had been depleted from the high levels of consumption during this holiday season, with some restaurants offering the slogan, "From the sea to your plate".
Members of the cooperatives Caribe, Justicia Social, Isla Blanca and Makax reported good catches, after many days of being unable to go out because of bad weather, which caused the lobsters to move from north to south, into the area where the islanders fish.
According to CONAGUA, National Water Commission, effects of cold front #24 could be felt on Sunday, but there should be no consequences on Monday, with good weather expected for the beginning of the week.

Swordfish season has begun En marcha la pesca del pez espada,.. [+] Ver mas
The swordfish and blue marlin season, of catch and release or observing, has begun in the northern part of Contoy National Park, which begins at Christmastime, with the approach of winter, attracting luxury boats and visitors with high purchasing power. The species come to this area to feed, and this sector has experienced fierce competition in recent times, causing a drop in the quality of services. Some hotels sell packages that include this type of recreation at sea, now that the weather is good.
Meanwhile, peak tourism season has resumed with intensity, with the ferries working at maximum capacity bringing groups to the island. The boats offering dive trips and those offering tours to Isla Contoy have remained busy without incidents, and island security operations report there have been no serious incidents.
Tourism is busy on land as well as at sea, with more than 500 rental golf carts in circulation. Hotels also offer packages including carts. The beaches were busy and the security personnel reported no irregularities. The Department of Tourism maintains contact with the service providers for...(ends mid-sentence).

The Director of Fishing Operations (Operación Pesquera) of Quintana Roo, Severo Gongora Barbosa, wrote a letter to the members of the cooperative Patria & Progreso advising them that they cannot sell the land of the organization where the government has invested in expanding the infrastructure, unless they return what was invested. It also explains that fishing permits cannot be sold, according to the General Law of Sustainable Fishing and Aguaculture, except with express permission from CONAPESCA (National Fisheries Commission) and they can only be transferred in accordance with the guidelines under that act, under penalty of revocation. The letter is dated May, 17, 2013, but is applicable to the situation in recent months, when dialogues have been opened with entrepreneurs.
With respect to the general assembly and Law of Cooperative Societies, and in accordance with the organizations constitution, notices must be posted 7 days in advance, must contain all the points of the agenda, and must by signed by the Board members (Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer or Financial officer). Decisions greatly affecting the cooperative must be made by an agreement of "two thirds of the members, that is, 75 percent" (sic). Employees of the coop may request their inclusion into the society, and Sr. Gongora Barbosa said "They will receive a response in writing whether they are accepted or not, and why."
A meeting with an entrepreneur is planned for the second part of this month concerning an offer for 15 million pesos with the right to use the property indefinitely, perhaps converting the transaction into a lease.

Yesterday.....

Business owners: No more construction near runway No más edificación en inmediaciones del aeródromo, reclamo empresarial. [+] Ver mas
Entrepreneurs are requesting that the municipal government not authorize further constructions in the vicinity of the runway, which could complicate the renovation proposed by businessman Enrique Lima Zuno. There are no new application documents at this time, but members of the business organizations (CANACO and the hoteliers) are supportive of this request and proposal.
It is recalled that on November 23, the Governor Roberto Borge Angulo presented a document to Sr. Lima removing the administration of the airfield from the Navy of Mexico, and turning it over to the government of Quintana Roo. This is considered to be a necessary step toward the proposed rehabilitation of the runway for use by private planes from the southeastern US, for relatives of the yachters who participate in the annual regattas from Florida to Isla Mujeres.
There are concerns among some entrepreneurs regarding reports issued in 2010 from the Director General of Civil Aeronautics of the Department of Communications and Transportation (SCT), when the municipal government was pushing for investment in three major projects: a new hospital, mini-cruises, and rehabilitation of the airfield terminal. This was a popular proposal at first, but the diagnosis by others was that there was not much viability, especially concerning the airfield, due to concerns about the international standards which are very rigorous, to ensure safety, and the closeness of residences caused an obstacle for consideration by the SCT. The negotiations made some progress, with pictures and statements being generated. Now that there is a new proposal, it is paradoxical that there is new construction nearby, which could ruin the entrepreneurs plans.
Sr. Lima did not have any comment regarding the work which would be necessary at the southern part of the runway, which needs to be expanded another 250 meters, so it would total 1500 meters, in order accommodate aircraft of up to 50 seats, according to the proposal from two decades ago.
It is recalled that this runway has existed for more than 50 years, and accommodated executives with planes, constructing Cancun 40 years ago. However, the airfield was abandoned to its fate when the ASA (Airport Auxiliary Services) retired from the property, and it was passed on to the Mexican Navy.

More trash problems during holidays Con las fiestas, se acentúa el problema de la basuraen.. [+] Ver mas
After the New Year holiday, there was more trash to collect, and it was picked up an an early hour downtown, but remained for a longer time in the colonia neighborhoods. Residents say the the City needs to buy new vehicles or the service will worsen.
In the budget for 2016, there are 7,541,304 pesos budgeted for trash collection services. The Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez, has announced that a new collection system will be introduced this month, with set schedules and reduced frequency of collections, with fines for leaving trash sitting out. Many business owners who pay for trash collection want private residents charged, also. The income in the budget from this source is nearly 10 million pesos.

Influx of tourists continuesLa afluencia turística no se detuvo.. [+] Ver mas
The first day of 2016 brought good weather, with winds of only 12-16 kph, allowing small boats to conduct recreational activities. A boat transported people to Punta Sur to receive the first rays of the sun, together with those who were on land, sharing the "good vibes" together.
The fishermen also took advantage of the good weather to catch fish and lobster, since the inventory of the cooperatives had been sold out in recent days, with the high consumption of seafood. There were families on the beaches starting at an early hour, and some received the first sun's rays there, which has been a tradition for many decades. Tourists also participated, and there was a good level of security, lighting, and policing.
On Playa Centro (aka the Posada beach), along the main street Medina, the Navy's First Aid & Safety module was set up and their operations were in effect which began a month ago and will end on Dia de los Reyes/King's Day. The ferries resumed their services after sunrise, without very many passengers, but as the morning progressed the flow of visitors resumed, with many people coming to the island for recreation and to take advantage of their day off from work in nearby communities.
The Port Authority reported that at 9am there were no restrictions on navigation. There were a few businesses who did not open at an early hours, because of the New Year's party, and others reported slower sales in the early hour. (The party on the Town Square ended around 9am).

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

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Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

December 2013: Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

"Isla Mujeres Delivery & Menus"

This space formerly had a promo & link for my neglected "Restaurant Delivery, Menus, & Specials" blog. I spent the past week renovating and updating the site, in collaboration with Coleena of Isla Delivery. It now has two dozen current menus & offers delivery to restaurants including Limon, Asia Caribe, Brisa's Grill, Bally Hoo, Da Luisa, Nico's, Olivias, Muelle 7, and Dopi's. And more to come...check it out HERE "Isla Mujeres Delivery & Menus"! What are you in the mood for? 11-11 daily.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

Poc Na has late night live music

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo live music some evenings ~7-11

La Terraza ~10-12

Fenix ~2p~5p Sundays, live music on the beach

Veradara's restaurant: live Cuban music weekend afternoons

Walk around Hidalgo at night & listen for live music

Strolling musicians working for tips available afternoons & evenings

Magic show at Poc Na Mondays at 8:30p

Click on the map for more info

And check out the Ixchel mural at MVC by Colegio Bachilleres (Aeropuerto)

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Sticker & more: Order at link

MVC recommends these & we have a few to loan to guests, who say they are Very Helpful